Little Pea earns big win

Manchester United ensured the ghosts of last weekend were at least partially exorcised with a 1-0 win at Everton.

Last Updated: 29/10/11 5:23pm

Manchester United ensured the ghosts of last weekend were at least partially exorcised as Javier Hernandez's first half effort was enough to earn them a hard fought win over Everton at Goodison Park.

It was more perfunctory than vintage United but in digging deep to grind out a three point haul that keeps them in contention with their Manchester neighbours, Sir Alex Ferguson's side did as he asked in putting to bed the darkest day in his 25-years at the club.

Reinstated to United's starting XI in a positive line-up that also included Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck, Chicharito did what he does best on 19 minutes by settling the contest from close range in converting Patrice Evra's low cross after a bright interchange between Welbeck and Tom Cleverley.

Everton were left to rue the width of David de Gea's crossbar as Leighton Baines whipped a delicious free-kick against the frame of United's goal towards the first half's close, while the away side's much maligned back four stood firm amid late pressure and a credible penalty appeal in the game's dying embers.

Ferguson had given Jonny Evans a vote of confidence following his sending off against City by restoring him in defence after suspension.

Evans took his place alongside Nemanja Vidic, himself sent off on UEFA Champions League duty recently, with Rio Ferdinand left on the bench.

That meant Phil Jagielka, who had been doubtful due to a hairline toe fracture, was pressed back into service.

Bright start

Everton were the first side out of the blocks as Seamus Coleman burst down the right, cut inside Evra and fired a shot at De Gea with just 15 seconds on the clock.

The visitors started brightly too with Welbeck jinking into the area and pulling back for Park Ji-sung at the near post, but the Korean's effort was blocked by former United keeper Tim Howard.

A chance appeared to open up outside the box for Rooney, whose reception from the Goodison crowd was not too bitter, but referee Mike Halsey got in the way and he stabbed wide.

United claimed the lead when an Evra cross found its way to Hernandez in front of goal. Jagielka was unable to reach the ball from the left and Hernandez tapped in unmarked.

Welbeck almost sneaked in on goal when Jagielka headed back towards Howard after an awkward bounce but the American just beat the striker to the ball.

Everton responded as Leon Osman first won a free-kick off Vidic on the edge of the box after beating the Serbian with a nice piece of skill.

Another former United player, Louis Saha, shot into the wall and Osman forced De Gea to save when the ball was eventually worked back in. Moments later Rodwell seized possession but drove wide.

Everton maintained the pressure as Marouane Fellaini won another free-kick in a good position five minutes before the interval when felled by Darren Fletcher.

Baines, who missed a penalty in the Carling Cup in midweek, stepped up and curled a superb effort against the crossbar.

Saha had another couple of opportunities before the break but failed to trouble De Gea.

Some intricate one-touch passing from United put Welbeck through in the opening moments of the second half but the striker was unable to control the final ball.

Rodwell extended De Gea for the first time when he cut inside onto his left foot from the right but the Spaniard produced a fine save to his right.

United immediately countered as Tom Cleverley, making his first Premier League appearance in seven weeks after recovering from a foot injury, released Hernandez with a brilliant long pass.

Hernandez came inside but lacked options and slowed, allowing Everton to come clear.

That proved to be Cleverley's last major involvement as he limped off shortly afterwards to be replaced by Nani.

Smart stop

Hernandez then picked out a charging Welbeck with a crossfield pass but Howard reacted quickly to palm out his volley.

Everton pressed again with Saha twice having shots blocked in a goalmouth scramble before Rodwell blazed over. Coleman got an attempt on target but again failed to trouble De Gea.

The game went into six minutes of injury time, caused in part by an injury to an assistant referee which forced fourth official Phil Dowd into emergency action on the line.

Home fans wanted a penalty when Magaye Gueye went down in the area but replays showed the Frenchman slipping and colliding with Evra.

After that United held firm. They may have beaten Aldershot in the Carling Cup on Tuesday but this victory, in spite of the performance, will do much more for their confidence as the shockwaves from Old Trafford last week continue to reverberate.